Hello all.
As most of you know, I have been enrolled in a class this semester called Catering & Events Management. Before January, I was beyond thrilled to be in this class because I have the luxury of planning a gala for the Hotel & Restaurant Management Program. Event planning was exactly what I wanted to do after graduation, until I started this class.
This is not a complaining post whatsoever (or so I hope it will not be). I have been extremely blessed to be apart of this class. Only 22 students are able to participate in planning this fundraiser for the Hotel & Restaurant Management Program. This event is called The Hospitality Gala. It is an event hosted by the 22 students who plan and design the event. This event has grown tremendously in the past two years and the first week of January we had expectations already set in place for our class to top last year's gala. We have definitely exceeded last year's gala's numbers but lets just hope the night of the event goes just as well as last year if not better.
I have learned so much this semester about event planning. This is not something you want to plan in a three month period, that is for sure. The leaders plan this event year around and the students just work on finalizing the execution the three months before the event. Stressful! I have learned how to adapt to changes extremely fast. My patience and outward expressions have also developed over the course of three months. While I am extremely stressed this week, I have been able to manage it fairly well (I think, some people would disagree), continue to work part-time and keep my grades up in my other classes.
This is the last week of planning for the gala. It will take place at 5:30pm on March 31st, 2011. Wish me luck. There are so many details that go into an event that no one will ever know how hard each and every person planning this event has gone through. That's kind of the joy behind it. Seeing our hard work pay off will definitely be worth it the night of the event.
Last words of wisdom (or shall I say things you already know I'm just know learning), take pride and appreciation for all the hard work you do. I have bashed this class a lot this semester but I must say I will be so excited when the planning is done and I can look back and say "Wow, that was an amazing experience." I have learned so much about myself and event planning I will never be able to trade this opportunity.
Until after the gala,
Kayla
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Manic Monday
Yesterday was a day. That's all... just a day. I procrastinated Sunday night so I could watch my shows and I would finish my homework before class on Monday. I was casually eating breakfast in my kitchen on the bar and reading a passage for ethics that I had to answer questions on by 10am. It's now 8:45am and I spill orange juice on the keypad of my MacBook. First thought, I'm going to have to buy a new computer. Second, it's just orange juice how much damage could it do? I should have stuck with the first thought because that is exactly what I had to do. I ran over to the AU Bookstore where we have an Apple Store (many students don't seem to know we have this amazing tool! Utilize it! We are one of two stores in the state of Alabama.) and talked to the tech guy and it was obvious I had fried the computer. I went to class, made a phone call to my mother dearest and decided to buy a new laptop. This world, well I should just say me, doesn't know how to function without a laptop! I took notes the old school way with pen and paper and participated in class discussions.
After my first two classes, I headed back over to the bookstore where they scanned my credit card for a new MacBook Pro and I headed to the tech guys to move all my data over from my orange juiced computer to this sleek professional looking computer. I told the guy not to touch it because it looked so fresh coming out of it's box. (haha) I went to my next class where I am planning The Hospitality Gala and it's only 10 days away (click on the blue to see the webpage). It is crucial I have all my spreadsheets, Powerpoints, and word documents for this class and I'm unable to attain them because of my computer. Oh well, it wasn't necessary for that class but I still need it to finish all the minor details for this event. So after class I head back to the bookstore to pick up my laptop and go straight home to make sure everything is there and I'm able to access all my files.
I was suppose to have a meeting Monday afternoon to finalize a Powerpoint for the night of the event. I click on the file and the programs won't open. I need my product key from when I purchased it in December. Okay, easy. I'll go get the license from my filing cabinet and type it in... The CD (product key) is no where to be found. I tear my filing cabinet apart trying to find that stupid black sleeve and never do. So I call the bookstore hoping to get some help, "Well, if you can't find it by in the morning come by and we'll put in the product key for you." So much for that meeting. Post-poned. I decide I've looked far and wide and it is no where to be find, I'll just wait until the morning.
I go to the bookstore this morning (Tuesday) and tell them I couldn't find it. "Oh, we only have the 2008 version and you have the 2011 version. Sorry. Call Microsoft and they should help you. IF you need proof of purchase, just come back." I'm thinking to myself, I have spent so much money and time here in the past 24 hours and you are telling me to come back WHEN they need proof of purchase. UGH, fine. So I go to a meeting, go to class, grab Chickfila (because it's irresistible), and call Microsoft. After a 15 minute conversation, oh you've called the wrong line. You have a Mac so you need to call Macafee. Maca-what? Okay, fine. I call them, automated phone conversation. Oh how those make me so mad! "Press 1 to be connected to blah, Press 2 to be connected to blah!" I finally get a lady on the phone and we have a 20 minute conversation, she takes all my information, and NOW she can transfer me to customer service. Well thanks. (and of course I can't understand a word any of these people I've talked to on the phone so far are saying) I get this lady on the phone who can't do anything for me because she has to have her supervisor email me within the next 24 hours. Well that doesn't help. I needed these files accessed yesterday!! Oh and they need proof of purchase. I go back to the bookstore to obtain my proof of purchase and I wait and wait and wait until 45 minutes pass and they can't find my receipt of when I purchased it. By this time, I'm about ready to just buy a new program and install it. BUT of course when it comes down to the crunch they always have something up their sleeves they just want to see you waste your whole afternoon before they do something for you. 10 minutes later, Word, Powerpoint, Excel, and Outlook are all working on my computer no problem!
So needless to say, the past 24 hours have been a heck of a time coming back from Spring Break. BUT the day gets better. No really, it does. :) I finally get home after running around campus and check my email. I have an email I've been waiting for for a week now. I have been accepted to go on a trip of a lifetime to Napa Valley, CA for the Hotel & Restaurant Management program all expenses paid to study wine and wineries for 9 days in May. I will have the privilege to meet famous chefs, wine makers, and go on private tours through wineries. AH! While this trip sounds so relaxing and fun, it is a study tour. It is considered a class and I will be extremely busy in those 9 days. I could not be more excited about how much this trip will benefit me in the long run for jobs, sommelier classes (wine masters), and learning more about the art of pair food with wine. So to end these hectic 36 hours, I will be sipping red wine, watching the Biggest Loser and cooking a fabulous dinner for myself to unwind and be thankful for all the things I have in my life.
Until next time,
Kayla
After my first two classes, I headed back over to the bookstore where they scanned my credit card for a new MacBook Pro and I headed to the tech guys to move all my data over from my orange juiced computer to this sleek professional looking computer. I told the guy not to touch it because it looked so fresh coming out of it's box. (haha) I went to my next class where I am planning The Hospitality Gala and it's only 10 days away (click on the blue to see the webpage). It is crucial I have all my spreadsheets, Powerpoints, and word documents for this class and I'm unable to attain them because of my computer. Oh well, it wasn't necessary for that class but I still need it to finish all the minor details for this event. So after class I head back to the bookstore to pick up my laptop and go straight home to make sure everything is there and I'm able to access all my files.
I was suppose to have a meeting Monday afternoon to finalize a Powerpoint for the night of the event. I click on the file and the programs won't open. I need my product key from when I purchased it in December. Okay, easy. I'll go get the license from my filing cabinet and type it in... The CD (product key) is no where to be found. I tear my filing cabinet apart trying to find that stupid black sleeve and never do. So I call the bookstore hoping to get some help, "Well, if you can't find it by in the morning come by and we'll put in the product key for you." So much for that meeting. Post-poned. I decide I've looked far and wide and it is no where to be find, I'll just wait until the morning.
I go to the bookstore this morning (Tuesday) and tell them I couldn't find it. "Oh, we only have the 2008 version and you have the 2011 version. Sorry. Call Microsoft and they should help you. IF you need proof of purchase, just come back." I'm thinking to myself, I have spent so much money and time here in the past 24 hours and you are telling me to come back WHEN they need proof of purchase. UGH, fine. So I go to a meeting, go to class, grab Chickfila (because it's irresistible), and call Microsoft. After a 15 minute conversation, oh you've called the wrong line. You have a Mac so you need to call Macafee. Maca-what? Okay, fine. I call them, automated phone conversation. Oh how those make me so mad! "Press 1 to be connected to blah, Press 2 to be connected to blah!" I finally get a lady on the phone and we have a 20 minute conversation, she takes all my information, and NOW she can transfer me to customer service. Well thanks. (and of course I can't understand a word any of these people I've talked to on the phone so far are saying) I get this lady on the phone who can't do anything for me because she has to have her supervisor email me within the next 24 hours. Well that doesn't help. I needed these files accessed yesterday!! Oh and they need proof of purchase. I go back to the bookstore to obtain my proof of purchase and I wait and wait and wait until 45 minutes pass and they can't find my receipt of when I purchased it. By this time, I'm about ready to just buy a new program and install it. BUT of course when it comes down to the crunch they always have something up their sleeves they just want to see you waste your whole afternoon before they do something for you. 10 minutes later, Word, Powerpoint, Excel, and Outlook are all working on my computer no problem!
So needless to say, the past 24 hours have been a heck of a time coming back from Spring Break. BUT the day gets better. No really, it does. :) I finally get home after running around campus and check my email. I have an email I've been waiting for for a week now. I have been accepted to go on a trip of a lifetime to Napa Valley, CA for the Hotel & Restaurant Management program all expenses paid to study wine and wineries for 9 days in May. I will have the privilege to meet famous chefs, wine makers, and go on private tours through wineries. AH! While this trip sounds so relaxing and fun, it is a study tour. It is considered a class and I will be extremely busy in those 9 days. I could not be more excited about how much this trip will benefit me in the long run for jobs, sommelier classes (wine masters), and learning more about the art of pair food with wine. So to end these hectic 36 hours, I will be sipping red wine, watching the Biggest Loser and cooking a fabulous dinner for myself to unwind and be thankful for all the things I have in my life.
Until next time,
Kayla
Monday, March 21, 2011
Experience of a Lifetime
Last week could not have been a better week for me. I needed to get away from life so bad. I do not know what I'm going to do after graduation with a real job and no time to escape to the beach. Earn my right to take vacation I guess.. haha
Spring Break started out in Destin, FL from Friday-Thursday. I got to relax on the beach with perfect March weather and get a great tan for the gala coming up. While I was at the beach, I had seafood, shopped at the outlets, and trained for my half-marathon. Only one day was the training absolutely awful (10 miles at the beach on a Saturday, blah!). But I did it and could not believe I actually finished 10 miles. I got a little nervous though during the week because my left knee started to give me serious pain up my thigh and around my knee cap. I only completed 5 of the 6 miles I was suppose to do on Tuesday but felt like it if wasn't for my knee, I could have easily completed the 6 miles. The rest of the week was easy training and I was able to rest my knee (a little) to make it through the race on Sunday.
The last weekend of Spring Break I was in Atlanta, GA preparing myself for an event I never thought I would actually partake in: a half-marathon. I was able to spend time with B's family, have a fabulous pasta dinner prepared by B, and completely destroy my March Madness bracket. It was a great weekend and couldn't have been a better way to end Spring Break.
Sunday, the day of the race. I woke up at 4:30 AM EST!!!! Take note: that is 3:30AM CST!! I was so anxious to get the race started I just could not sleep. I registered on Friday at the Georgia Dome where Publix had the entire football field covered with booths of health people, fitness guru's, clothes, shoes, food, physical therapist, and huge registration tables lined all the way down the visitors side. I have never been to a health expo so I looked like a lost puppy walking through that huge mess. I registered and received my bag with my shirt and bib in it. I kept telling B, "I'm way out of my league. These people are serious." He reassured me probably 50 times that my training will pay off and that no one will be looking at me because they will be worried about themselves. Thank goodness he was right.
I could not have prepared myself for the amount of people that were at this race! It was an experience like no other!!! I completed my race in 2.27.31. It took me three minutes to get to the starting line though (I already docked it off my time, hehe) so I was extremely proud of beating my goal. B told me when I finished the first full marathoner finished 3 minutes before I did!! I couldn't believe him!
The whole race was fantastic. I was able to run through my dream city, through 4 universities, and over a bridge that crossed over 75/85S and look over and see the beautiful sky line as the sun was just rising. It was magnificent. I went through every emotion a human could go through during that race. When I first started I wanted to cry because I was soo scared of all the intimidating runners, with their serious waist bands, serious outfits, and energy drinks attached to them. I had never seen anything like it and felt completely out of place with plain Nike shorts on, an Underarmor workout shirt, and an Auburn hat. The first few miles were calming. I was able to look around enjoy my surroundings and not believe myself that I was seriously about to run 13.1 miles. About half way through I was angry. I didn't know why my knee was hurting so bad, I wanted it to pop or something so it would fix itself, and I wanted somebody to be on the sidewalk holding a poster that said my name on it. At about 8 miles, my anger was quickly gone, I began to think about the reason I came to run this race: Steve. I was so excited he was running with me and that he had gotten me through the hills, the people, and out there to actually finish the race. Mile 11, I could not believe my time, right around 2.00.00. I was going to finish this race before my goal. Well, thanks to a big hill I walked up the hill and ran the entire last mile because I was finishing that race at a run! I got to the 13 mile mark and saw B. He took pictures and ran with me on the sidewalk to the finish line! I had completed my first half-marathon. The whole race I just kept thinking, PLEASE don't let me be the last one to cross the line. So many people passed me and I just knew I was close to the end. B told me I probably finished in the 40% which made me feel sooo great.
Without the support of everyone in my life, I could have never of finished that race. I didn't want to let anyone down. I had made it that far that my body would not let me quit. Thank you for all your support in following me on this journey. You all pushed me through it!! But to the person who pushed me to get out there and accomplish it, Steve. No of this could have been done without him. I am so happy he asked me every week how I was doing with my running. Even if I didn't completely it while he was here on Earth, he was running with my Sunday in heaven right beside me carrying me through.
I want to encourage anyone out there who is afraid of doing something to get out there and do it. Go out of your comfort zone and do something you've always wanted to do but never in your wildest dreams pictured yourself doing. If you need some help getting to that goal, I will help you. The feeling of accomplishing something for yourself is so rewarding. Take the time to do something for yourself. Don't be afraid of the unknown. It will be well worth it once you embark on some new territory.
Have the courage to endure,
Kayla
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Dedication and Determination
Hello friends.
It has been quite some time since I last posted. Spring Break is this week and I completely isolated myself from computers and Internet access. The reason I am on the Internet now is because I'm back to reality with school work, work work, gala planning, training, and everything else that goes on in my life. Full force will hit Monday. Especially since it's the day after my first half-marathon. I could not be more excited about finishing this race.
I watched a few shows over break and some of the people in the shows lacked dedication, determination, self-awareness, and confidence. While I was watching the episodes, it occurred to me that not everyone has the same characteristics as everyone else. It is so hard to think that there are people in this world who do not have the drive to get up in the morning and do things for themselves or other people. It is crazy for me to think about people not having confidence in themselves and awareness of how they control most aspects of their lives. Then as I was shopping today it dawned on me how I obtained my strong characteristics of dedication, determination, self-awareness, and confidence. I was mainly brought up that way but it took a little bit of myself to make those decisions for myself. I was raised to be dedicated to everything I did 110%. I was never allowed to quit teams and I most certainly never missed deadlines for projects. Determination came from my skills in gymnastics and my father because he is so competitive. I always wanted to be better and learn more. Confidence could not have come from anywhere but within myself. I was very awkward growing up and high school was not my finest moments. Learning how to deal with rude/mean people and clothes never fitting and being the black sheep of the family made my confidence sky rocket when I came to college and found who I was.
Dedication and determination are such a natural thing for me now that I can't imagine not having it. I always strive to be the best at everything I do and never let anyone down. I set way too high of expectations but it keeps me on my toes. If you don't have that natural drive, find something you are good at and reach for the stars. Having confidence will only help with dedication and determination. Like I've stated before my training has been difficult but I have been completely dedicated because I'm running for someone other than myself. My determination can only come within myself to complete this 13.1 mile run and say to anyone who asks, "I completed my first half-marathon in 2.30.00."
Stay strong,
Kayla
It has been quite some time since I last posted. Spring Break is this week and I completely isolated myself from computers and Internet access. The reason I am on the Internet now is because I'm back to reality with school work, work work, gala planning, training, and everything else that goes on in my life. Full force will hit Monday. Especially since it's the day after my first half-marathon. I could not be more excited about finishing this race.
I watched a few shows over break and some of the people in the shows lacked dedication, determination, self-awareness, and confidence. While I was watching the episodes, it occurred to me that not everyone has the same characteristics as everyone else. It is so hard to think that there are people in this world who do not have the drive to get up in the morning and do things for themselves or other people. It is crazy for me to think about people not having confidence in themselves and awareness of how they control most aspects of their lives. Then as I was shopping today it dawned on me how I obtained my strong characteristics of dedication, determination, self-awareness, and confidence. I was mainly brought up that way but it took a little bit of myself to make those decisions for myself. I was raised to be dedicated to everything I did 110%. I was never allowed to quit teams and I most certainly never missed deadlines for projects. Determination came from my skills in gymnastics and my father because he is so competitive. I always wanted to be better and learn more. Confidence could not have come from anywhere but within myself. I was very awkward growing up and high school was not my finest moments. Learning how to deal with rude/mean people and clothes never fitting and being the black sheep of the family made my confidence sky rocket when I came to college and found who I was.
Dedication and determination are such a natural thing for me now that I can't imagine not having it. I always strive to be the best at everything I do and never let anyone down. I set way too high of expectations but it keeps me on my toes. If you don't have that natural drive, find something you are good at and reach for the stars. Having confidence will only help with dedication and determination. Like I've stated before my training has been difficult but I have been completely dedicated because I'm running for someone other than myself. My determination can only come within myself to complete this 13.1 mile run and say to anyone who asks, "I completed my first half-marathon in 2.30.00."
Stay strong,
Kayla
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Don't Judge a Book by its' Cover
How many times have you heard the saying "Don't judge a book by its' cover!"? Too many times to count, right? Me too! It always seemed so silly growing up. I always took it literally. If I read a book for Accelerated Reader (AR) it had to have a cool cover. I was not going to read it without pictures or a colorful background. Then came 5th grade and Harry Potter had zero pictures and a dark cover.
It's just like growing up and having the true meaning behind the saying. When you are younger the only people you judge are strangers you don't know and that's because your parents told you not to talk to strangers. Children are open to anybody until they become a middle schooler and everyone is there enemy (the dark cover). You have that one best friend who would get you through your first crush and your first bully. Then, when you get older you've collected a lot of books over time, some are picture books, some are classics (your family), some are adventures (your friends), and some are romantics (someone special). Everything outside of your collection comes to you as a new cover something you've never seen before. Do you dare to start a conversation and figure out what this "book" is about? Maybe, but most of the time you only take people by what they present to us: the table of contents.
Can we really get to know someone by the table of contents? A table of contents will give you a wide variety of ways to interpret a story. Someone's character is what they do when no one is watching. How can you get to know a character if you don't read the book? You can't. Sure you can read summaries but that isn't going to give you a clear understanding of what that character really is and what they do for the book.
This blog probably seems a little confusing because I keep referring to people being books and books being people. What I'm trying to get across is we don't know anyone until we have actually gotten to know them. By saying, you know that person but you've only seen what they do around you doesn't necessarily mean you know them. People are very interesting creatures. I'm the worse when it comes to people watching. I try not to judge anyone by what they are doing but watching people's actions seems to make us think we know everything about them. Make sure when you start talking about someone you actually know them instead of just talking about what you've seen them do. There is nothing worse than being accused of something you aren't. I was my whole high school career and made it a point to let everyone get to know me as much as possible while I am in college so they won't assume wrongly of me. Don't be afraid to embark in new relationships with people. It is the most interesting thing in the world to start a conversation with someone you do not know and get to know more about what goes on in their lives. That's why I like reality TV so much. I get to see a little of who they are but the fault in it is we don't really know who they are because we don't ever get to talk to them.
Keep your book open. Don't be a reader, be a learner.
Kayla :)
It's just like growing up and having the true meaning behind the saying. When you are younger the only people you judge are strangers you don't know and that's because your parents told you not to talk to strangers. Children are open to anybody until they become a middle schooler and everyone is there enemy (the dark cover). You have that one best friend who would get you through your first crush and your first bully. Then, when you get older you've collected a lot of books over time, some are picture books, some are classics (your family), some are adventures (your friends), and some are romantics (someone special). Everything outside of your collection comes to you as a new cover something you've never seen before. Do you dare to start a conversation and figure out what this "book" is about? Maybe, but most of the time you only take people by what they present to us: the table of contents.
Can we really get to know someone by the table of contents? A table of contents will give you a wide variety of ways to interpret a story. Someone's character is what they do when no one is watching. How can you get to know a character if you don't read the book? You can't. Sure you can read summaries but that isn't going to give you a clear understanding of what that character really is and what they do for the book.
This blog probably seems a little confusing because I keep referring to people being books and books being people. What I'm trying to get across is we don't know anyone until we have actually gotten to know them. By saying, you know that person but you've only seen what they do around you doesn't necessarily mean you know them. People are very interesting creatures. I'm the worse when it comes to people watching. I try not to judge anyone by what they are doing but watching people's actions seems to make us think we know everything about them. Make sure when you start talking about someone you actually know them instead of just talking about what you've seen them do. There is nothing worse than being accused of something you aren't. I was my whole high school career and made it a point to let everyone get to know me as much as possible while I am in college so they won't assume wrongly of me. Don't be afraid to embark in new relationships with people. It is the most interesting thing in the world to start a conversation with someone you do not know and get to know more about what goes on in their lives. That's why I like reality TV so much. I get to see a little of who they are but the fault in it is we don't really know who they are because we don't ever get to talk to them.
Keep your book open. Don't be a reader, be a learner.
Kayla :)
Monday, March 7, 2011
Lifetime Achievements
Some quick thoughts to start the week off. Lifetime achievements. This weekend I had the opportunity to work at an event hosted at the hotel for Lifetime Achievement Awards presented by the Auburn Alumni Association. This event was unlike an event I have ever worked. The people who were honored at this ceremony had done things that you only see done in the movies. They had achieved things that only rare people achieve. It made me start to wonder how you get to such a place in your life. This people are respected by so many people and the things they have done (such as be an astronaut, work for NASA to make the ships safer, run 135 hospitals to help care for people's needs) just amaze me. I hope one day someone respects me as much as these men were respected on Saturday.
Coming out of that event I felt more inclined to make the things I do and say for everyone else and not for myself. I become self-centered a lot and don't realize how much one life can impact somebody else. I shouldn't be focused on myself and my well being. I have people in my life that will take care of me as long as I take care of them back. By not realize how much the words I say hurt people made me take a step back and think about the things I say and do. I want to be more giving and more respectful of everyone around me. Not just the people who are close to me. Friday was my first SOS session and it went fantastic. After this weekend, serving people has shot to the top of the list of priorities yet again. I can't say this is a bad thing because if you take care of people you are going to get more rewards than being selfish and inconsiderate of other people. Your life matters to people and sometimes you may not even know who those people are. I have people I look up to and they probably don't even know it and I know you do to. Take it to heart this week and think about being selfless. This is a very poorly written blog but I wanted to put some thoughts down before my busy week started just to get me on the right track. I hope this makes you realize how much of a blessing each life is to this world. You are special and your life could be making a difference in someone else's life and you may not even know it.
-Kayla
Coming out of that event I felt more inclined to make the things I do and say for everyone else and not for myself. I become self-centered a lot and don't realize how much one life can impact somebody else. I shouldn't be focused on myself and my well being. I have people in my life that will take care of me as long as I take care of them back. By not realize how much the words I say hurt people made me take a step back and think about the things I say and do. I want to be more giving and more respectful of everyone around me. Not just the people who are close to me. Friday was my first SOS session and it went fantastic. After this weekend, serving people has shot to the top of the list of priorities yet again. I can't say this is a bad thing because if you take care of people you are going to get more rewards than being selfish and inconsiderate of other people. Your life matters to people and sometimes you may not even know who those people are. I have people I look up to and they probably don't even know it and I know you do to. Take it to heart this week and think about being selfless. This is a very poorly written blog but I wanted to put some thoughts down before my busy week started just to get me on the right track. I hope this makes you realize how much of a blessing each life is to this world. You are special and your life could be making a difference in someone else's life and you may not even know it.
-Kayla
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Appreciation
I have been so busy this last week and I'm only getting busier until the end of March. Last week was a great week. Full of activities, reaching goals, getting exciting news and getting to go home and see my family. One thing that kept reoccurring in my head was the word appreciation.
I feel I am always thankful for the things I have in my life but I don't really take the time to appreciate everything. I know you are probably thinking that being thankful and being appreciative are the same things. Well, in a sense they are but to me they mean something a little different. Being thankful is so easy to do. People get in a routine of always saying thank you for things that happen or come there way. But being appreciative is actually thinking about what you are saying thank you for.
Last week, I had the opportunity to interview to become a College of Human Science Ambassador and I got the position! :) I was so excited because it is something I'm so passionate about. I get to tell other students how great and awesome my college is and how no other college on campus can surpass mine because it is so amazing. Also last week, I found out I have the opportunity to apply for the California Study Tour. The name alone sounds fun, right? Well let me tell you a little more. The California Study Tour is a "class" in my major that allows 15 students to travel to Napa Valley, CA with the head of our department, general manager at the hotel I work at and meet wine makers, famous chefs, visit vineyards, and learn more and more about food and beverage in the most exquisite places in the United States! It is normally only open to seniors but they didn't have enough interview so they proceeded to open it up to juniors and I was so excited to apply. The reason I was so excited because I won't have another opportunity because I'm hoping by May next year I will have a job lined up for after graduation. This trip takes place in May right after final exams so it counts as a summer credit hour. Anyways, I don't know when I'll hear back from them but I'm hoping soon.
This weekend, I was able to finally go home and see my parents/family. I've been so busy with school and work on the weekends I haven't had time to escape and just enough the company of family. I take my parents for granted. They are way too great to me and give me everything I could ever hope and dream for. Being home made me appreciate everything my parents have given me in life. Without them I wouldn't be living this amazing life I have right now. Without them I could never have put myself out there enough to try out for things, train for a half-marathon, and be the person I am today. They have been such a great example for me growing up and even more so today. As a high schooler, I never would have said these words, I was out to prove my parents wrong. And like my Papa always said "One day you'll realize how smart your parents really are." The older I get the more I realize how smart, driven, amazing, and special they are to me. I hope I can make them proud by being half the parents they are to my siblings and me.
In conclusion, I became so appreciative of all the opportunities I have in my life that I don't want to waste a single second of my life being mad at someone who means something to me, not taking full advantage of every opportunity open to me, and not being completely myself. I always strive for the best in myself but I am just living life to the fullest right now and not taking anything for granted.
Stay appreciative,
Kayla
I feel I am always thankful for the things I have in my life but I don't really take the time to appreciate everything. I know you are probably thinking that being thankful and being appreciative are the same things. Well, in a sense they are but to me they mean something a little different. Being thankful is so easy to do. People get in a routine of always saying thank you for things that happen or come there way. But being appreciative is actually thinking about what you are saying thank you for.
Last week, I had the opportunity to interview to become a College of Human Science Ambassador and I got the position! :) I was so excited because it is something I'm so passionate about. I get to tell other students how great and awesome my college is and how no other college on campus can surpass mine because it is so amazing. Also last week, I found out I have the opportunity to apply for the California Study Tour. The name alone sounds fun, right? Well let me tell you a little more. The California Study Tour is a "class" in my major that allows 15 students to travel to Napa Valley, CA with the head of our department, general manager at the hotel I work at and meet wine makers, famous chefs, visit vineyards, and learn more and more about food and beverage in the most exquisite places in the United States! It is normally only open to seniors but they didn't have enough interview so they proceeded to open it up to juniors and I was so excited to apply. The reason I was so excited because I won't have another opportunity because I'm hoping by May next year I will have a job lined up for after graduation. This trip takes place in May right after final exams so it counts as a summer credit hour. Anyways, I don't know when I'll hear back from them but I'm hoping soon.
This weekend, I was able to finally go home and see my parents/family. I've been so busy with school and work on the weekends I haven't had time to escape and just enough the company of family. I take my parents for granted. They are way too great to me and give me everything I could ever hope and dream for. Being home made me appreciate everything my parents have given me in life. Without them I wouldn't be living this amazing life I have right now. Without them I could never have put myself out there enough to try out for things, train for a half-marathon, and be the person I am today. They have been such a great example for me growing up and even more so today. As a high schooler, I never would have said these words, I was out to prove my parents wrong. And like my Papa always said "One day you'll realize how smart your parents really are." The older I get the more I realize how smart, driven, amazing, and special they are to me. I hope I can make them proud by being half the parents they are to my siblings and me.
In conclusion, I became so appreciative of all the opportunities I have in my life that I don't want to waste a single second of my life being mad at someone who means something to me, not taking full advantage of every opportunity open to me, and not being completely myself. I always strive for the best in myself but I am just living life to the fullest right now and not taking anything for granted.
Stay appreciative,
Kayla
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